Cochlear implants

A cochlear implant is a small, surgically implanted electronic device that bypasses the damaged part of the ear and works directly with the auditory nerve, allowing a person to hear.

Benefiting children and adults who are deaf or have severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant can help them hear sounds, speech and music. Most people with severe to profound hearing loss can better understand speech in person or over the phone with a cochlear implant than with a hearing aid.

What you should know about cochlear implants

Unlike a hearing aid, which makes sounds louder, a cochlear implant works by sending impulses directly to the auditory nerve, which then carries sound signals to the brain.

Some children with severe to profound hearing loss are unable to make use of sound even with hearing aids. Early intervention is important for these children to help them develop language skills.

Why choose Geisinger for your cochlear implants?

Our cochlear implant team — which includes an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, audiologist, speech and language pathologist, and social worker — does hundreds of cochlear implants every year.

Our team works closely with patients and families to help determine if a cochlear implant is the correct option. We also help patients adjust to the device after the implant surgery.